Increased alpha brainwave levels create a state of relaxed alertness, reducing anxiety and stress.

Alpha brainwaves and the power of relaxed wakefulness

Alpha brainwaves (as measured by EEG) are associated with a state of relaxed wakefulness, typically observed when a person is awake but in a relaxed state, such as during meditation [1]. Research has also shown that alpha brainwaves play a role in a variety of cognitive processes, including attention, memory and creativity [2]. Higher levels of frontal region and whole scalp alpha power have also been linked to reduced anxiety and stress. AlphaWave® L-Theanine has been shown in two clinical studies to significantly increase alpha brainwave levels.

The effects of stress in Life today

Most Americans (75%) report experiencing one or more stress related outcomes within the past month, and the common sources of stress such as finances, health concerns and employment have continued to build in recent years.

This stress exposure also increases the risk for various health problems and concerns such as mental health and cardiovascular issues, and can even dampen the immune system, increasing susceptibility to both colds and common infections [3].

In some cases pharmaceuticals are used to combat stress, but these come with a number of problems: they can cause drowsiness, other negative symptoms, and can only be used for a short-time due to their addictive potential.

It’s no surprise therefore that many people today are looking for more natural or drug-free approaches to this problem, and that stress-relief has become a leading category in the supplement category.

AlphaWave® L-Theanine clinical studies show significant increase in alpha brainwave levels

Ethical Naturals’ (ENI) AlphaWave® L-Theanine has now been the subject of two clinical studies that confirm its ability to increase alpha brainwave activity that results in significant relaxation benefits.

The most recent study, ‘A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of a single 200mg dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on stress in a healthy adult population.’ [4]. was published in Neurology and Health, September 2021​.

In this study, following a task-induced stress protocol, a 200mg single dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine showed significant increases in both whole-scalp and frontal region alpha power, and reductions in salivary cortisol (an objective measurement of stress). These changes were not observed when the participants received placebo.

The observations and conclusions of this study paralleled those found in the first study conducted at The Wellington Sleep investigation Center, U. of Otego, Wellington, New Zealand.​

The randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study design is the gold standard for product investigation.​

The authors of the most recent study, published in Neurology and Health conclude: ‘A single dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine improved the physiological indicators of acute stress in response to the MAT test compared to the placebo, including frontal region alpha power and salivary cortisol, in moderately stressed but otherwise healthy adults. This is significant, as increases in brainwave alpha power are considered to reflect relaxation in the brain, suggesting a calming effect of AlphaWave® L-Theanine. The randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study design is rigorous and is the gold standard for investigating the efficacy of an investigational product. A single dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine was found to be efficacious, safe, and well tolerated, and should be considered as a nutraceutical supplement to manage acute stress.’​

AlphaWave® is GRAS Affirmed

L-Theanine was originally identified as a component of tea and is often considered to account for its calming qualities. AlphaWave® L-Theanine is produced by a proprietary process and is GRAS affirmed.

ENI supplies AlphaWave® in several forms: powder, granular and as a finished product (encapsulated and bottled), for private label use.

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[1] Lee DJ, Kulubya E, Goldin P, Goodarzi A, Girgis F. Review of the neural oscillations underlying meditation. Front Neurosci. 2018;12:178. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00178.

[2] C Lustenberger, MR Boyle, AA Foulser, JM Mellin. Functional role of frontal alpha oscillations in creativity - Cortex, 2015, Volume 67, pages 74-82

[3] Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. The impact of stress on body function: a review. EXCLI J. 2017;16:1057–1072.

[4] Study conducted by: KGK Science Inc. Published by Neurology and Health, September 2021, ‘A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to investigate the efficacy of a single 200mg dose of AlphaWave® L-Theanine on stress in a healthy adult population.’